Watching your fluids

Fluid balance diary

Sometimes you might be asked to keep a diary to track how much you drink and how much urine you are producing, and when. This is sometimes known as a voiding diary. The diary helps you, and your doctor or nurse, make any changes to your current management that might be needed.

When using the diary, you should keep track of:

• how much you drink
• the time you have a drink
• the amounts for each catheter or void
• when the catheter is performed
• any unplanned leaking

You should use the diary for at least three days before you see your doctor or urology nurse.

Monitor liquids in and out

Pay attention to the colour of your urine. It should be light yellow to yellow all day long. The colour of urine can be a quick way to know whether you are drinking enough or too much during the day.

Darker urine means that you are dehydrated, and pale yellow urine means you are well hydrated.

Things to note:

• Some drinks, such as coffee or alcohol, can make you produce more urine. Your urology nurse can provide tips on how to manage your bladder if you plan on drinking fluids that affect your output
• Some medications may affect the colour of your urine – speak with your nurse or doctor if you are concerned.

Catheter timing and volumes

If you perform IC, it is important to pay attention to how much you are drinking because you might need to adjust your catheter times or do extra catheters. Most people will need to do 4 to 6 catheters per day (one every 4 to 6 hours). Your urine amounts should be less than 500mL per catheter.

High/Low limits

• 500mL do extra catheters (discuss with your nurse)
• 300mL – 500mL and no leak – keep going
• <300mL & dark urine – drink more.

Leaking

• If leaking occurs before each catheter and high volumes – do extra catheters
• If leaking has no pattern – let your nurse know.